AgDEG (Agriculture Development for Economic Growth) expanded its operations to Kaduna State, onboarding 26 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to deliver private extension advisory services.
The initiative is expected to impact over 1.3 million farming households in the state, creating new opportunities for agribusiness growth, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
The sensitization meeting, held in Kaduna city, brought together 26 agro MSMEs from 11 Local Government Areas. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as these businesses partnered with AgDEG to enhance access to agricultural extension services. With agriculture remaining one of the highest contributors to Nigeria’s GDP, the program aims to strengthen agribusiness investment, farming innovations, and agricultural productivity.
AgDEG’s expansion follows its success in Benue State, widely known as the Food Basket of the Nation. The organization’s track record there has positioned it as a key driver of agricultural development and agritech solutions. By extending its reach to Kaduna, AgDEG is signaling a strong commitment to advancing food production and rural development.
For Timothy Tanko, CEO of Tim Tank Prime Int Farms, this collaboration is both timely and inspiring. He said, “We felt like orphans when the USAID funded FtF AEAS closed abruptly despite the huge impact it made on us, but we are grateful to God that AgDEG has filled us with renewed hopes. We are excited to partner with AgDEG as a homegrown organization that will never leave us feeling like orphans.”
The management of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) was also acknowledged for its role in supporting this initiative. Together with MSME partners, AgDEG is determined to transform farming practices, boost agribusiness financing, and empower smallholder farmers across Kaduna State.
The mission is urgent, and stakeholders are optimistic that AgDEG’s expansion will play a vital role in revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.